Deadly Flooding Forces Evacuations Across U.S. South, Midwest

Thursday, 22 February 2018 15:48

Hundreds of people in the South and Midwest have evacuated their neighborhoods, due to snow-melt floodwaters that have so far led to the deaths of three people.

The floods were brought on by heavy rains in some parts and fast-melting snow in others, forecasters said. Emergency responders are performing water rescues from Texas to Michigan, where roads are shut down, schools are being canceled and some homes are turning into islands.

Lansing, Mich., declared a state of emergency Wednesday ahead of expected flooding. City officials there recommended that those living in flood zones to evacuate by early Thursday afternoon.

"While the rain has stopped, we are expecting significant flooding in certain areas of the city," said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. "Declaring a State of Emergency allows us to have all hands-on deck to proactively provide the necessary information and resources to protect our residents."